The language used in literature is different from that used in other disciplines. Language in literature goes a notch higher because it is not only used originally but also innovatively. This contributes to aesthetics or beauty in literary texts hence appealing to the readers. Style on the other hand can simply be defined as the unique manner of doing something. Just like everybody has a walking style and hair cutting style, playwrights have unique ways which they use to pass their messages to the audience. There are a number of stylistic devices in the novel Blossoms of the Savannah. This guidebook will enumerate some of these devices.
Vivid Description
The writer uses words to paint clear mental images on the readers’ mind. This enables the audience to understand the text better. As the Kaelo’s are preparing to depart from Nakuru for Nasila the scenery is vividly described. “He was gesticulating violently, apparently reprimanding loaders for being slow and inept (p.1). This description points out clearly the character of Kaelo as stern. The welcoming ceremony of the Kaelo’s family by uncle Simiren’s family is vividly described “Chunks of meat went round...selected a piece from the tray” (p.12). The description helps in showing the generous nature of Kaelo as well as his meticulous planning abilities. Life at Nasila is vividly described “the intermittent crowing of roosters… a rare atmosphere of tranquility and serenity...” (p.14). The description is used to contrast the peaceful mood of the rural Nasila and the urban town of Nakuru that is characterized by hustles and bustles.
Simiren’s polygamous setting is described vividly “Three main houses stood within a well-tended and a evenly trimmed kei apple perimeter hedge… (p.14). “The sixteen or so children aged between three and sixteen were perched on benches, stools and chairs” (p.16). This description shows high birthrate in the family. It also paints a polygamous family in Nasila. The vivid description of Ole Supeyo (p.23), “he lifted a corner of his shirt and scratched his belly while his other hand stroked the stubble on his chin…” shows his wealthy status in the society.
Oloisudori is described in uncomplimentary terms “wide gap…black eyes….looking like a warthog” (p.92). The description signals Oloisudori’s mean character and the readers can even form a picture of a criminal before much is disclosed to them. There is a vivid description of how women in the past dealt with an old man who sexually mistreated a young girl (p.117). Taiyo’s bold visit to Joseph’s bachelor house is vividly described (p. 130). It shows the feelings of the two lovers who are restrained by culture. The attack of the two girls by two men in which Olarinkoi saves them is vividly described. “He sprang like a ghost” (p.141). This shows the risk the girls are going though in the hostile Nasila environment.
The search conducted by thirty men with Kaelo and Joseph is vividly described to show the urgency of getting the girls’ molesters (p161). The resigned Resian is vividly described after she is required to serve Oloisudori and his group (p.172). “She walked to an oloponi tree at the centre of the garden. Finding a log underneath it, she sank down…her shoulders drooping…” It shows Oloisudori’s insensitive character. The journey by Oloisudori and the couple is vividly described (p. 190,191). It shows Oloisudori’s cunning and scheming character. The journey by Resian, Olarinkoi and the pick-up driver is vividly described to show the ill manners of the two young men (p. 212, 213). The escape by Resian and Nabaru is also vividly described to show the risk involved by the two females with strong character (p. 247).
Similes
A simile is a stylistic device that compares two things indirectly with an aim of drawing a mental picture in the mind of the reader. Before the Kaelo’s relocate to Nasila, some women from Nasila visit Mama Milanoi. They signal a future menace since the girls are not circumcised. The author says, “The words came to haunt her like a demented spirit” (p.8). This is later seen when mama Milanoi and Kaelo have to live alone in their old age after Taiyo and Resian go to the ranch and later to the university (p.13). “They had likened him to a mono- eyed giant who stood on legs of straw.”(p.13).Kaelo is compared to a giant because he holds a senior position in his home, as the head in his house yet he has chosen to be very weak by having only one wife and two daughters. The elders feel Kaelo is not stable. He should be supported by many sons like Simiren. Ole Supeyo compares effects of FGM with effects of dehorning cows. “Like cattle that required being dehorned to reduce accidental injuries to each other, a certain docility was required to keep more than one wife in one homestead” (p.22). This simile shows the chauvinistic nature of Supeyo.
“The sense of foreboding from the threat was still hanging in the air like the sword of Damocles.’ (p.27). This simile shows the apprehensive mood in which the girls are in after they are accosted by the callous young man. Mama Milanoi says her husband had bullied and scolded her “like half-witted child” (p.29). This shows how Kaelo considered her as a child. It also reveals the low position of a wife in a Maa family.
Uncle Simiren danced, his bald head shining like a piece of iron sheet in the afternoon sun.” (p.45). The simile shows the industry, age and alienation of Simiren as well as the celebratory mood in the event. After the drinks, voices of laughter of the revelers are described as: “they rose and fell like sound of waves beating upon flooded river banks to show the exuberant carefree mood (p.50). A simile describes Resian’s condition of insecurity, “Lonely stalked her like a lost young leopard.” (p.57). This shows the danger that looms in the new environment. Kaelo comments, “Your daughter Resian is like an overfed lizard in the afternoon sun” (p.64).The simile is used to comment on the lazy character of Resian.
Olarinkoi is described as “sitting quietly and staring unblinkingly like a leopard would while stalking an antelope (p.75). This shows Olarinkoi’s antisocial nature. It also indirectly reveals his real intention in Kaelo’s home. Yeiyo Botorr expresses her contempt for Resian’s assertive character in a simile. “One with olkuenyi (bad spirit) was shunned like plague” (p.78). “It was easier to fall in love with a serpent than with Olarinkoi” (p.80). Taiyo’s statements shows that Olarinkoi is antisocial and nobody would wish him to be their friend. Mama Milanoi cannot bear the pricking language of Resian on Oloisudori. She says, “You spoke like one with a demented spirit?” This shows Mama Milanoi’s fear towards Oloisudori and her meekness to Kaelo.
Kaelo comments, “Why do you run like one who has seen an apparition? (p.96). In this simile, Kaelo-Resian cold relationship is shown. After Oloisudori’s visit, the couple has sleepless nights. “They turned and turned like ilmintilis being roasted in the fire” (p.107). The simile shows the torture that the couple undergoes. After Oloisudori informs the couple that he is to have their two daughters, “a disaster loomed large like ominous black clouds” (p.121).
To express her aggressive character, Resian is described by use of a simile. “She sunk her teeth into the flesh like a ferocious animal” (p.221). After the ordeal, the writer says, “thoughts came back like a remote collection” (p.223). This simile evokes a sympathetic attitude on the part of the reader. To show the caring, sacrificing and protective nature of Nabaru, the writer says, “Nabaru scooped Resian like a little baby” (p.246).
Metaphors
It is a style which employs direct comparison of two things without using “as…as” “like” etc. with an aim of forming a mental picture in the reader’s mind. Ole Sumpeyo terms Oloisudori as a randy he goat so as to show the height of h
Real Educator answered the question on April 18, 2018 at 09:18
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The River and the Source: Margaret Ogola
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow
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The River and the Source: Margaret Ogola
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow
“You mean there is bigger white chief than this Diyo?”Odongo asked.“Looks like it,” replied the twin.“Don’t you think he should have decided? Aunt’s case is after all so clear.”“Maybe he should have taken a longer time to think.”“He probably does not understand the way of Chik.After all he is white.”
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Later that evening their benefactor whose name was Otuoma told them of the DO’s conversance with the ways of the people.“Have no doubt, he will deal fairly with you because he knows right from wrong which is more than you can say for some white people. The DO has lived in this place for thirteen years. It is customary for difficult cases to be heard more than once, so that the truth can be fully ascertained.
You just go home and come back in three months. People will soon be sent to hear for themselves what has been happening in your village.”
So at dawn the following day Akoko left for Sakwa with her nephews who later would relate the tale of their adventures to their less lucky peers, later still to their own children and grandchildren. The tale took on mythical proportions in the telling, with their aunt assuming the greatness of the foundress, Nyar Nam, and they themselves joining the great braves of the tribe, at least in their own imagination.
“When my brother and I took my aunt to make an apil (appeal) to the big white chief whose name was Diyo,” would begin Odongo to some round eyed grandson many years later, “We found and overcame many dangers on the way for our courage was boundless. Our aunt walked with her head high for she was the daughter of a chief and the spirit of her ancestors rested fully on her. She faced the white chief unflinchingly, and told him her story, the greed and arrogance of her brother-in-law Otieno, chief by default.
When she got back home, Akoko found that the plunder for her cattle had reached major proportions, the chief having taken advantage of her heaven sent absence. Her first impulse was to storm out and do murder, and be done with it, but reason soon reasserted itself. There was no advantage in knocking one’s head against a tree trunk, at best one may chip off a bark but in return get a large bruise on the head. If you want to cut a tree, take time to sharpen an axe. So she bided her time.
Questions
a) Place this excerpt in its immediate context.
b) Identify and illustrate thematic concerns evident in this excerpt.
c) Describe the character of Akoko as brought out in this passage.
d) Apart from this passage, when else in the novel do we find Akoko being decisive?
e) Identify, illustrate and show the importance of two styles used in this passage.
f) Rewrite this sentence in indirect speech.
“You mean there is a bigger chief than this Diyo?” Odongo asked.
g) What is the meaning of the following expressions as used in the passage?
i) “…walked with her head high …”
ii) “……no advantage in knocking one’s head against a tree trunk………..”
Date posted:
March 1, 2018
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(Solved)
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
At the edge of Montono forest there was village occupied by a few inhabitants. The people of the village got their firewood, water and fruits from the forest. But inside the forest lived a giant ogre. The ogre was known to kill and feast on the children of the village. Every other weekend a family was heard wailing and moaning their loved one.
One day the villagers decided enough was enough. “We will all be dead soon unless we do something to contain this monster,” many lamented. They considered leaving the village altogether. But some reasoned that the monster would follow them whenever they would go.
“What shall we do then?” they asked one another in panic. “Let us gather all our young men together and lay an ambush for this monster and kill it,” a wise man said. They all agreed with him, the young men of the village, armed with all manner of weapons, laid an ambush in the forest for several days. They were beginning to despair when the ogre finally appeared. The young warriors rushed after the beast. But to their dismay none of their weapons could penetrate the ogre’s thick skin.
There was panic among them. Some fainted on realizing this. The ogre was vicious as usual. He let out a loud laughter that shook the warriors to the bone. “You don’t know who you are messing up with,” the ogre said. But one warrior was determined to kill the monster. Before embarking on the mission he had consulted the oracles on how to kill such a giant. The gods revealed that the giant’s life lay in its shadow. If anybody struck the ogre’s shadow, it would surely die.
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As the monster struggled to remove the struck arrow, the brave warrior moved close and aimed at its shadow, and the giant fell with a thud. There was a cry of joy from his fellow fighters,” You have done it brother, it is dead,” they congratulated the brave warrior. Now it was time to return to the village and claim his prize. But when they looked around, some of their fellow warriors still lay unconscious while others had sprinted for safety when they realized the ogre could over power them. They watched from a distant.
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(Adapted from the Sunday Nation, February 23, 2014)
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(b) Identify and illustrate two features of oral narratives in the story.
(c) From your knowledge of such kind of stories, give four characteristics of ogres.
(d) What are some of the economic activities practiced in this community?
(e) How is the victorious warrior portrayed?
(f) Give the meaning of the following word and expressions:
(i) Vicious
(ii) Shook the warrior to the bone
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The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
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Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
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Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
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Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less travelled by,
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By Robert Frost
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Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
3.
Long ago before man started taming any other animal apart from the dog, it was said that...
(Solved)
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
3.
Long ago before man started taming any other animal apart from the dog, it was said that donkeys could also be tamed. This rumour was told by one man who went to the bush to hunt. After killing the animal he had hunted, he found that it was very heavy for him to carry alone. So he decided to find a way by which he could carry his prey. As he was still thinking, he saw a donkey pass nearby in the bush.
All of a sudden, an idea came to his head. He thought that if he took his prey and put it on the back of the donkey, it would help him carry his load. So he went after the donkey. He easily put the load on the back of this donkey for it did not attack him or run away.
He led the way until they reached his compound. After unloading the donkey, he gave it food and it ate with appreciation. From this time, this man started to keep the donkey.
This story went round that somebody had tamed a donkey. Soon the donkey was famous for its hard work throughout the village and its surroundings. People wanted to satisfy their curiosity. They soon set out to hunt for donkeys and use them to carry heavy loads.
Donkeys did not know what was going on up to this time. They came to understand only after most of their friends had been taken away. They started to hide very far in the bushes. But all was in vain! People had realized that donkeys were very useful animals. So they made special efforts to hunt as far as where the donkeys could be found.
This problem really worried the donkeys. Many of their kind had been captured. The rumours they heard were horrifying. Rumour had it that those donkeys which had been captured were working too much and they were given only food enough to keep them going.
Indeed, this was frightening. The rest of the donkeys decided to act quickly, lest they become victims of circumstances like their unfortunate friends. They, therefore, held an impromptu meeting. Here, they discussed what should be done about the whole problem. One donkey suggested that they should seek help from hare since he was known to be cunning and clever. All agreed that Hare should be asked for advice.
The next morning, the donkey representative went to see Hare. Hare was only too willing to help. Therefore, Hare asked him to tell all his friends to come to his compound early the next morning. This they did. As they arrived, they found Hare with whitewash in a huge can, ready to act.
As the donkeys were not so fast in thinking, they wondered how whitewash could have anything to do with their problem. Hare tried to explain but they seemed rather stubborn. Nobody was willing to be the first one to be started on. Finally, one donkey volunteered and stepped forward. Immediately, Hare set to work. He started painting stripes of whitewash on the donkey's skin. Soon the donkey had black-and -white stripes instead of being plain black or grey.
As the first donkey was painted over, the other donkeys admired him. They all started wishing that they could look like their friend. The moment that followed was full of struggle and scrambling over who should reach the paint first. The warning from Hare that they should be careful went unheeded. Hence, the struggling and fighting continued.
It happened that after a number of donkeys had been painted, one donkey pushed to the front with force and stepped in the bucket that contained the whitewash. The whole bucket overturned pouring out all the paint. This was the end of everything. The remaining donkeys were helpless because they were the unfortunate ones. Hare told them that he could not help them anymore because the fault had been theirs. And so, although the aggressive donkey was cursed for this bad act, nothing was done for their betterment, for the spilt paint could not be recovered.
Hence, those donkeys that had been painted were safe from the man's reach. They were the lucky ones and so they changed their name from donkeys to zebras. This name set them apart from the unfortunate donkeys which after this, were all captured by men.
and taken to work for them. They were less fortunate and that is why they had to maintain their name as donkeys.
Questions 1. What type of narrative is this? (2mks)
2. What evidences are there to show that this is an oral narrative? (3mks)
3. Briefly describe the character of
i) The Donkey. (2mks)
ii) The Hare (2mks)
4. In not more than 85 words, explain the steps that led the donkey to be a burden bearer.
Rough copy
Fair copy
Give an economic activity practiced by the community from which the story is derived.
6. It is very heavy for him to carry home. (Rewrite: Use too…)
7. Give a proverb to summarize the narrative.
Date posted:
January 23, 2018
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Answers (1)
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Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning (3marks)
i) He worked so well that everyone was...
(Solved)
Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Do not change the meaning (3marks)
i) He worked so well that everyone was impressed (begin so well..)
ii) The head of the family provides for her family. He also settles quarrels (begin Besides
iii) Mr. Matano was not surprised that Ndolo wrote the winning essay (begin That..)
Date posted:
January 23, 2018
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Answers (1)
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NJABALA
Once upon a time, a man and his wife had a daughter. The girl’s name was Njabala and she was stunningly beautiful. But she was...
(Solved)
NJABALA
Once upon a time, a man and his wife had a daughter. The girl’s name was Njabala and she was stunningly beautiful. But she was badly brought up, that girl. She was spoilt. She did not want to do any work in the shamba or around the house. All through her childhood, it
was her mother who cooked for her, washed and ironed her clothes for her, did everything for her. But Njabala’s beauty was beyond words.
Anyway, Njabala grew up and was soon ready for marriage. She married a young man who took her to his home. But of course she couldn't do any work. When the time came for her to go and work in shamba, she didn't know what to do. She put both her hands on her head and cried out:.
Mamma, mother-of-twins!
It's you who used to spoil me
Come and dig.
Whereupon the skeleton of her mother, who had died, suddenly appeared. It took the hoe and started clearing the shamba as it sang:
Njabala. this is the way women dig,
Njabala! Njabala. this is the way women dig,
Njabala! ;
Don't let me be caught by my in-laws. And it cleared a large patch of the shamba, from here to way. way out there. Then it disappeared back to the grave. This went on for quite some time. Every time Njabala went to the shamba. She would call our.
Mamma, Mother-of-twins!
It's you who used to spoil me
Come and dig,
Then the mother's little skeleton would come and clear the shamba, singing;
Njabala, this is the way women dig,
Njabala! Njabala, this is the way women dig,
Njabiala!
Don't let me be caught by my in-laws.
One day, however, a relative of Njabala's husband saw what was happening. She went and said to the husband. "You know what? The food we eat in this house is grown by skeletons”.
The husband said, “Oh dear, Oh dear!" The next day, he went and hid in the shamba. When Njabala arrived, she called out as usual.
Mamma, Mother-of-twins!
It's you who used to spoil me Come and dig.
The skeleton came and began to dig as it sang:
Njabala. this is the way women dig,
Njabala! .
But suddenly, the man leapt out of his hiding and dealt his mother-in-law's Skeleton a big blow with his stick. The skeleton disappeared immediately. Njabala was almost fainting with shame and shock. Her husband said to her angrily, "So this is what's been happening? You've been feeding us on food grown by skeletons?"
From that day on, Njabala learned to work saying, “What else can I do now that my mother has been beaten and driven away?” And so she became a hard-working woman.
I left her happy with her husband and the rich crop she was harvesting from her shamba, and I came back here. That is what I saw.
QUESTIONS
i) Which audience would this narrative be most appropriate for? Justify your answer. (2mks)
ii) State and explain two functions of song as an aspect of style in this narrative. (4marks)
iii) Apart from the song, identify three typical features of oral narratives evident in this narrative. (4marks)
iv) Using at least two expressions from the narrative, show evidence that the recorder remained true to live performance of the narrative. (4marks)
v) Identify any two behaviours that this narrative condemn. (4marks)
vi) Cite and explain a proverb from any community you are familiar with that comments on beauty. (2marks)
Date posted:
January 23, 2018
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Answers (1)